Hi! I'm Spooks, and my humans are the owners of Las Tortugas.

We have lots of doggy visitors, particularly with long stay guests in winter, and my humans have decided it is best if their canine guests consult someone who is really qualified to answer their particular queries, so here are some FAQs and the answers from my/your perspective.

Q: My humans often find it hard to find really good accommodation where they can take me - is it true that dogs are welcome at Las Tortugas?A: Absolutely - and you will find it doggy heaven round here. All they ask is that your humans clean up after you and you do not damage the furniture (as if you would?) and above all do not attempt to swim in the pool - very unhygienic for the humans if you do and yours may be charged for supplementary pool cleaning.

Q: Is there any charge to be there?A: They do not actually charge for you to be here but my she-human makes gallons of preserves that she gives to our local dog rescue charity every year to raise money and she would appreciate it if you would buy some - or even just give a small donation.

Q: What is there to do at Las Tortugas for us?A: Depends on what gets your tail going. Personally I'm into rushing around the countryside outside the walls, chasing rabbits. Please don't embarrass me by asking if I ever catch one. Anyway, the point is that there are acres of open country round the house and you can run around in safety to your heart's content. The nearest big road is over a mile away as a dog runs, and even the local 'road' (more of a track) is nearly half a mile away and only gets about 2 cars an hour. If you go beyond that you could amuse yourself collecting balls on the golf course...

Q: What about the sea?A: The beach is about ten minutes away by car. In summer they are quite fussy about not having dogs on a lot of the beaches but there are some about half an hour away where you can go at any time. In winter nobody seems to bother and there are usually plenty of pals around on most of the beaches. My humans provide doggy towels to dry you off and if you get muddy there is a (yuk!) hosepipe!

Q: When they go out for a drink or a meal, can they take me with them? A: Most bars allow dogs outside, and have plenty of seats and shelter outside since they stopped humans from smoking inside.

Q: So they can't leave me alone in the house?A: Some dogs get quite stressed if they are left alone and humans believe this can lead to inapproprate behaviour. If this is you, they may be asked to leave you in a crate if they go out (I have a huge spare one to lend you if they don't bring one).If they want to go without you for a long while I have some friends not far away (your nearest neighbours) whose humans are always willing to dog-sit. They are a German Shepherd called Kanai and a little Yorkie called Zara. I could eat Zara for breakfast but I wouldn't dream of it - she's one of my best pals. The photo shows Zara and me with two of her humans and a visiting friend.

Q: How big is the garden? Is it secure?A: The garden is over half an acre (so I'm told). Apart from the tiled area round the pool, it is mainly gravel and soil with hardy local plants so you can't do much damage. It is gated and walled but if you are big like me you can probably get over the wall.

Q: Do I have to bring my own bed?A: I imagine you will bring it anyway but if your humans are stuck for space in the car my old bed (on the left when I was only 6 months and still fitted into it) may be available with prior notice.

Q: I tend to shed a lot of hair - is housekeeping a problem?A: Fortunately all our floors are tiled, with the odd rug. Your humans will have a vacuum cleaner to clean up after you..In theory you are not allowed on sofas and beds, but if you are on the small side and/or are allowed on furniture at home I imagine it might be a bit hard to break the habit just for a holiday so there are lots of throws provided to protect sofas. Beds however are out of bounds...

Q: What sort of food is available for me locally or do I have to bring my own?A: Unless you are a very fussy eater, there is plenty of choice. I had a bit of a delicate tummy as a puppy and it took them ages to find something which suited me. I now have some very expensive food for my joints and the cheapest way to get that is on line, so if you have special food requirements and are here for a long time we can help you order some, in advance if necessary or while you are here​.Q: Is there anything else I should know?A: They will give you a tag with their phone number on it in case you get lost. Plus you will probably get a treat on arrival - lucky you, they do bad things to my insides so I don't get any!

Q: Sounds like doggy heaven indeed. How do I book?A: Well you have to be very well behaved for at least a week and then do whatever it is you do when you really want something (I do the soppy pleading look, works every time) and point them in the direction of this website. I look forward to meeting you!